To say Gen V is on the upswing sounds overdramatic
To say that Gen V is experiencing a positive turn of events may seem like an exaggeration. However, the latest episode, “The Whole Truth,” is far from being a disappointment. While there were some issues with last week’s ending, “The Whole Truth” is a significant improvement in terms of quality. The cliffhanger ending of Episode 4, where Sam (Asa Germann), The Woods’ evil doctor, and Godolkin’s student guardians clash, didn’t quite resonate with me. Nevertheless, that slight hiccup is easily forgotten. “Welcome to the Monster Club” immediately picks up from where “The Whole Truth” left off and elaborates further on the supe’s cover-up under God U’s orders.
Chaotic Control
Up until now, Marie (Jaz Sinclair) and her companions have felt a sense of chaotic control. They have been uncovering the strange occurrences surrounding Golden Boy’s death and inching closer to exposing The Woods. However, it was inevitable that the pendulum would swing back. “Welcome to the Monster Club” marks that turning point, as Marie, Jordan (London Thor and Derek Luh), Andre (Chance Perdomo), Cate (Maddie Phillips), and supersized Emma (Lizze Broadway) wake up in an off-campus party house with no recollection of the past few days. It feels like a chapter from The Twilight Zone, where the events of previous episodes are erased arbitrarily, only to highlight the level of corruption within the Godolkin organization. In order to make Gen V captivating enough, Marie’s crew, despite their abilities to bend blood, influence minds, and manipulate metal, must face seemingly unbeatable challenges. And that’s precisely what “Welcome to the Monster Club” presents.
Building Relationships Amidst Adversity
Sam is the only person who knows what transpired at Dr. Cardosa’s (Marco Pigossi) house. However, both Emma and Marie find it hard to trust this stranger who claims to be their friend. When they reunite, there is a bittersweet moment between Sam and Emma, even though her memory has been wiped. Despite her amnesia, Emma wants to believe Sam, for reasons she cannot remember. As a result, Germann and Broadway portray a wounded chemistry that is evident even without their essential memories. This dynamic keeps the dramatic intrigue strong, as we eagerly anticipate the revelation of why the show’s protagonists transition from a Marvel movie to a superpowered Animal House remake seemingly out of nowhere.
A Puppet Showdown
“Welcome to the Monster Club” introduces us to another facet of Sam’s derangement, which becomes even more pronounced. The Boys has never shied away from gruesome scenes, and Gen V follows suit. In this episode, there is an entire fight sequence featuring Sam tearing apart puppets. This puppet carnage is akin to The Happytime Murders, as Puppet Sam rips Vought mercenaries to shreds, scattering crimson glitter and plushy insides around like a chaotic Build-A-Bear massacre. It’s an extremely enjoyable spectacle, showcasing the showrunners’ commitment to originality. They can continue to rely on the same graphic games as The Boys, or they can astonish the audience. Gen V consistently chooses the latter, and it has paid off tremendously thus far.
What We Said about Episode 4
“‘The Whole Truth’ is another thrilling installment of the most outlandish show on streaming. However, the climax leaves a rare dent in the series’ armor. It’s impossible for every episode to be a flawless masterpiece, and Gen V might have pushed its boundaries too far this time. Despite this, there is still much to appreciate in ‘The Whole Truth,’ from Tek Knight’s twisted Law & Order antics to the blossoming young romance between characters who seek a glimmer of hope amid Godolkin’s corrupt authority. Gen V cannot be faulted for staying true to its rebellious nature, even though the episode prioritizes storytelling tricks over a clean conclusion.” – Matt Donato
Read the rest of our Gen V Episode 4 Review – “The Whole Truth”
A Different Approach
“Welcome to the Monster Club” exemplifies how Gen V sets itself apart from The Boys in terms of storytelling. The collective memory loss suffered by the characters indicates that psychic Rufus (Alexander Calvert) is the likely culprit. However, there is an even more sinister reality at play. Marie’s conflicted feelings towards Jordan take a back seat as the group unravels the mystery behind their involuntary mental intrusion. This exploration delves into the complexity of young adults finding their identity. Unlike The Boys, wherein characters like Homelander and Stormfront are clearly on the wrong side of heroism, Gen V’s characters face consequences repeatedly due to their vulnerable and immature decision-making. This week’s episode capitalizes on that theme, leaving emotional scars rather than resolving conflicts through violence or superpowers.
Revealing Secrets
In “Welcome to the Monster Club,” we finally learn important information about The Woods, shedding more light on the underground experimental facility operated by Dean Shetty (Shelley Conn) and Dr. Cardosa. While we have always suspected Shetty’s involvement in nefarious activities, Cardosa’s admission about his research raises the stakes even further. This episode has a slower pace, focusing on a blackout whodunit storyline and revealing shocking revelations. It relies on satisfying payoffs that do not disappoint. Despite not being a wild and explosive episode like its predecessors, “Welcome to the Monster Club” is by no means a downgrade.